The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) has launched the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN), an initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration among global victims’ associations and ensuring that victims’ needs and rights are prioritized in counter-terrorism efforts. This was a significant outcome of the first United Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism.
The launch event saw participation from high-level officials, including United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Ms. Amina J. Mohammed and Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov. Voronkov emphasized the influential role of victims as agents of change whose experiences and resilience should guide strategies against terrorism. VoTAN’s goal is to provide a platform for victims’ groups to exchange experiences, advocate for improved support systems, and enhance their influence on policymaking at various levels.
Victims of terrorism often face substantial challenges, such as social stigmatization, insufficient access to justice, and psychological support. VoTAN aims to address these issues by facilitating capacity-building, amplifying victims’ narratives, and promoting inclusive legislation and practices. The VoTAN Charter was presented at the launch, outlining commitments to solidarity, inclusiveness, non-discrimination, and respect for human rights.
UNOCT officials highlighted that VoTAN will collaborate closely with governments, civil society organizations, and international agencies to integrate victims’ perspectives into prevention strategies and recovery programs systematically. Plans are underway to conduct regional meetings and training programs under the VoTAN framework in the upcoming year.
For more details on the initiation and goals of the network, visit the complete report provided by JURIST.